Santa Cruz has had its share of famous residents. Add your favorite to the list!
Current
- Bettina Aptheker Prominent former communist organizer and daughter of Herbert Aptheker, current Feminist Studies professor and activist
- Lex van den Berghe Reality television
- Susie Bright Writer, speaker, teacher, expert on human sexuality
- David Jay Brown Psychedelics advocate, science writer, and author
- Angela Davis Former Black Panther on the top 10 America's Most Wanted List, current department chair of the UCSC History of Consciousness Department
- Francis de Winter World recognized Solar Pioneer Innovator, Leader in Local Civic Activities
- Frank Drake Known for his "Drake Equation"
- Jonathan Franzen Novelist and essayist
- Donna Haraway Professor, author, feminist
- Ras Midas Musician
- Tom Noddy Bubble man
- Ralph Peduto Television and film actor
- Chris Rene Musician, X Factor contestant
- John Robbins Writer, Activist
- Ann Simonton Activist, Former Model
- Dick Smothers Jr Actor
- Marina Sousa Cake Designer
- Gary Young Poet, artist and letterpress printer
- James Durbin Singer, American Idol alumni
- Valerie Corral WAMM co-founder, medical cannabis activist
- Jonathan Franzen Writer
- Jaron Lanier Computer scientist, visual artist, writer, technologist, and composer
Former
- Gary Arnold Politician.
- Ken Babbs Merry Prankster
- Brenda Buttner Business correspondent at FOX News Channel
- Jim Bunner Multiple Emmy Award Winning Producer
- Rory Calhoun Actor
- Adam Carson Musician
- Nikki Craft Activist, organized the Myth California Pageant
- Drennon Davis Comedian
- James Durbin Musician, American Idol contestant
- Jasmine Fiore Model, actress
- The Flying Karamazov Brothers Jugglers and performers
- Alfred Hitchcock Film director
- Max Hodges TV personality, model
- John Hoyt Actor
- Juli Inkster Professional Golfer
- Linda Neimann, Author, Scholar, Musician & Activist
- Jack O'Neill Inventor/Surf Enthusiast
- Kitchen Sisters Radio Broadcasters
- Krazy George Cheerleader
- Lisa Leuschner
- Marisa Miller Model
- Tiburcio Vásquez Bandit.
- London Nelson Farmer
- ZaSu Pitts Actress
- Rad Girls Comic/Stunt Performers
- Kevin Reed Surfer/Skateboarder
- Carlos Santana Musician
- Tom Selleck Actor
- Adam Scott Actor
- Tom Scribner Street musician
- Dick Smothers Comedian
- Florence Thompson The woman in the Migrant Mother photo from the depression era.
- Ben Stein Professor/academic, television game-show host, and actor
- Scott Weiland Musician
- Dennis Whiles / Georg Gärtner Prison camp escapee turned tennis pro
- Joy Williams Musician
- Charis Wilson Model
- Robert Anton Wilson Author, philosopher
Famous People Passing Through
- Ansel Adams Photographer
- President George Herbert Walker Bush
- Neal Cassady
- General Fremont
- Jerry Garcia Musician
- Herbert Hoover President
- Ken Kesey
- Teddy Roosevelt President
- Danny Trejo Actor
- Tiburcio Vásquez
